Events

Saturday - March 29, 2008 - (10am - 5pm) - The Alpaca Crossroads Gallery - Fremont, Ohio

Alpaca Crossroads LLC, a marketing organization comprised of five alpaca farms located in Northwest Ohio, will be hosting an alpaca pen sale on Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Fremont, Ohio at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds.

For those unfamiliar with alpacas, they are cousins of the llama, and are gentle, beautiful animals. They produce a luxurious fiber that is stronger, warmer and lighter than wool and is as soft as cashmere. It is hypo-allergenic and comes in 22 natural colors. Diverse backgrounds represent those held by alpaca owners, from young families, empty-nesters to retired individuals. Raising alpacas can bring endless life-style and financial rewards. Both alpaca breeds, huacaya and suri, will be on display for sale along with herd sire services.

Seminars will be offered throughout the day. Topics will include: Vet Talk - Dr. J. Micheal Brothers DVM, Halter Showing Through the Judges Eyes, Opportunities for Fiber A-Z, Alpaca Basics - A Little of Everything, Investment Opportunities and Alpaca Reproduction.

Various alpaca products will be offered for sale along with door prizes being given away every hour. Refreshments provided.

The Alpaca Crossroads Gallery event runs 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Sandusky County Fairgrounds is located at State Rt 53 in Fremont, Ohio, Exit 91 of the Ohio Turnpike. Admission is free.

Saturday - June 7, 2008 (8 am - 5pm) - Dr Cheryl DeWitt’s Camelid Neonatal Clinic - Lazy G Alpaca Farm, Fremont, Ohio

Dr Cheryl DeWitt, one of the most respected camelid vets in the USA, will be coming to Fremont, Ohio to present her Neonatal Clinic to prepare you for the upcoming breeding/birthing season. Increase your confidence in learning to deal with emergency situations that may arise. The facts and simple techniques you learn at this clinic may help you save that valuable cria. Take the time now to learn before it’s too late. Will you be ready?

The morning will be spent in lecture covering the following topics, and much more:

  • Reproductive cycle in the female
  • Behavioral Testing - when is the optimum time to breed?
  • Pregnancy Testing - Progesterone or Ultrasound, or both?
  • How a Dam prepares for Birth
  • Feeding during Pregnancy
  • When to Vaccinate, Worm the Dam
  • Preparing for Delivery
  • Three Stages of Labor
  • Supplies to have on hand
  • Reproductive Emergencies
  • Care of the Newborn Cria
  • Premature Crias
  • Vaccinations for Crias
  • Infertility Issues in Female alpacas
  • Infertility Issues in Male alpacas

In the afternoon the group may be split in two sessions for the Wet Lab.

This is the Hands-on portion of the clinic where you will learn:

  • How to determine if your female is in trouble
  • How much time to you have to get her to the vet?
  • Using donated dead crias, you will practice manipulating a mis-positioned cria in a simulated uterus

Dr. Cheryl W. DeWitt,DVM is the co-owner of Camelid Veterinary Services and resident veterinarian at Llama Nation farm in Bluffton, Ohio. An award winning graphic designer turned veterinarian, she attended North Carolina State University for graduate studies, and then relocated to Ohio to work in camelid medicine with Dr. Toni Cotton. She and her husband Eric (“Llamafeeder”) have worked with and owned camelids for over 10 years. In 2006, Cheryl bought Camelid Veterinary Services with P. Walter Bravo, DVM, who literally “wrote the book” on camelid reproductive care. Cheryl teaches neonatal clinics all around the country, and has also traveled to Peru where she participated in a University of Massachusetts research trip working with vicuna.

Only $250 per person, $450 for two people from same farm. This amount includes $30.00 charge for text book. Space is limited, sign up as soon as possible. A $100 deposit will hold your spot, balance due by May 15th. Checks may be made out to Alpaca Crossroads and sent to Kathie Geib, 3292 West U.S. Highway #6, Helena, OH 43435. Any questions please call 419-638-3005 or e-mail at: geib@stargazerfarm.com You will be contacted with further details - hotel accommodations, dinner arrangements, directions, etc.

Saturday - October 4, 2008 - (10am - 3pm) - Tractor Supply Showcase - Bowling Green, Ohio

The Alpaca Crossroads LLC of Northwest Ohio, a group comprised of five area alpaca farms, and the Tractor Supply Company, 18201 N Dixie Hwy, Bowling Green, Ohio will hold an informational presentation of the alpaca industry and display of alpacas for sale on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Alpacas from five area farms will be on display, rain or shine. This is a wonderful opportunity to come out and “meet the alpaca,” learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals and the rewarding lifestyle they can provide. You can watch their fleece being spun into yarn, purchase alpaca products and spend a fun and educational day with the family! The event is free to the public. Come join us!